From Here to Iere: A Toronto Trini-Canadian Pathfinder Picture Books for ages three through to nine |
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Eaulin A. Blondel / illustrated by Vanessa Soodeen.
Dedicated to “the children of Castara, Tobago, where this story was born.” University of the West Indies librarian Blondel spins a tale of pelicans She and He, arriving late at the sea gate. Soodeen’s dual-page illustrations splash with colour.
Oxford: MacMillan Caribbean, 2002. 32 p. ISBN: 0333953061.
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S. T. Garne / illustrated by Lori Lohstoeter.
Vibrant and evocative landscapes bring to life this serene story of a fisherman able to meet his needs despite a lack of material things.
San Diego, CA: Gulliver Books / Harcourt Brace & Co., 1999. 25 p. ISBN: 0152017801.
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compiled by Faustin Charles / illustrated by Roberta Arenson.
A collection of old and new counting rhymes from the Caribbean, playfully complimented by cut-out figures that lend taste to each poem’s sound.
Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1996. 24 p. ISBN: 0395779448.
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compiled by Grace Hallworth / illustrated by Caroline Binch.
Hallworth sought the help of friends from Trinidad and other islands to add to the playground favorites she remembered from her own childhood. The striking paintings by Binch direct the audience to appreciate the action of performing each selection.
London: Mammoth / Reed International Books Ltd, 1996. 32 p. ISBN: 0749730250.
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as told by Rita Cox / illustrated by Roy Crosse.
A folktale from Trinidad retold by a Toronto storyteller. Brer Monkey, by misunderstanding, comes to believe “trouble is sweet.” Will he come to find out that he is buying more than he bargained for?
Toronto: Kids Can Press, 1977. 28 p. ISBN: 0919964141.
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Maureen Hull / illustrated by Leanne Franson.
Bear is cooped up inside by the rain, and worse, his narrating Writer is too busy to pay him attention. By using his imagination to visit Trinidad, Bear begins a journey that lifts not only him, but the Writer (and Reader, as well), out of the doldrums. Franson’s humorous illustrations could crack a smile through any cloud.
Montreal: Lobster Press, 2004. 32 p. ISBN: 1894222857.
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Gale Henry / illustrated by Winsom.
Lovingly rendered and straightforwardly told, Winsom and Henry combine to unburden the hardest time with compassion and grace. A tribute to grandmothers parent and child can equally share.
Toronto: Women's Press, 1994. 24 p. ISBN: 0889611955.
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poems by Afua Cooper / illustrated by Stephanie Martin.
Specific events (Caribana), individuals (Harry Gairey) and locations (Kensington Market) bring cultural Toronto alive in Cooper’s gentle poems. Wide-eyed drawings capture the wonder of the city from a young point of view.
Toronto: Sister Vision, 1989. 32 p. ISBN: 0920813879.
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Lynn Joseph / illustrated by Ann Grifalconi.
It is parlour day. This morning, “Jasmine jumps up fast fast,” so as not to be left out. Her range of experiences helping her mother set up at market is shared with readers by Grifalconi’s Impressionistic watercolours.
New York: Lothrop, Lee, & Shepard Books, 1994. 32 p . ISBN: 0688114873 : 0688114881 (lib. bdg.).
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Vashanti Rahaman / illustrated by Sandra Speidel.
Rajiv is wary of “old-time foolishness.” But Good Friday is also his grandmother’s birthday, and his quest (furnished by Speidel in deep pastels) to find her present might lead him to appreciate the merit of tradition after all.
New York: Lodestar Books, 1997. 32 p. ISBN: 0525675213.
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Caroline Binch.
Hyperreal art documents the adjustment a young boy makes while visiting his grandparents in Tobago. Gregory longs for the comfort of home, but soon finds that his new surroundings may be worth investigating...
London: Frances Lincoln Ltd, 1994. 32 p. ISBN: 0711208174.
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Dirk McLean / illustrated by Ho Che Anderson.
Little Hollie is finally going to Canada to reunite with her parents. Her joy is quickly tempered by the many changes that await her. With her babysitter Sita’s help, Hollie tries something “new and magical.” Can Hollie learn to try to not replace her cherished Trinidad, and accept the uniqueness her new city can offer?
Toronto: Groundwood Books / Douglas & McIntyre, 1996. 29 p. ISBN: 0888992580.
All of these titles and more are available from your local
Toronto public library.
Four branches have dedicated Black and Caribbean
Heritage collections:
Cedarbrae 545 Markham Rd., M1H 2A1 (416)
396-8850
Maria A. Shchuka 1745
Eglinton Ave. West, M6E 2H4 (416) 394-1000
Parkdale 1303 Queen St. West,
M6K 1L6 (416) 393-7686
York Woods 1785 Finch Ave. West, M3N 1M6 (416)
395-5980
As well, any items in the Greater Toronto Area can be delivered to your
own branch.
Place holds on items at http://www.tpl.toronto.on.ca/ or
ask your librarian for assistance.
Inspired by Kynzie and Kaya.
CTL (2005).